Circuit changing system



Nov. 15, 1938. E. MICHEL 2,136,859

CIRCUIT CHANGING SYSTEM original Filed' May 7, 193e O o; f3? hhhl y 48 244 ,27 Y 39 g I 3152 l{MIMI- Patented Nov. 15, 1938 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CIRCUIT CHANGING SYSTEM Original application May 78,504. Divided and this application 1937, Serial No. 148,807

8 Claims.

The present invention relates to an improved circuit changing switch system and is a division under Oicial requirement of my copending application Serial No. 78,504, led May 7, 1936.

An essential object of the invention consists in providing a circuit changing system including a switch having a relatively fixed contact with which is associated a movable contact for the purpose of normally establishing an electrical circuit with an operable member. The movable contact is in turn operatively associated with a key or plug contact whereby upon the engagement of the key Contact with the movable contact to cause disconnection of the fixed contact from the movable contact and simultaneously to establish a circuit between the key contact and the movable contact. Additionally, means are provided for automatically returning the movable contact to engagement with the fixed contact upon withdrawal of the key contact from engagement with the movable contact.

A further object comprehends the provision of a circuit changing switch mechanism which may be readily associated with various types of electrical devices or systems and which is particularly applicable for use with electrical combination switches to change the combination of the electrical circuits connected to the operable members such as disclosed in my Patent No. 2,082,806, dated June 8, 1937.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying claims and drawing.

Referring to the drawing, in which is shown several preferred embodiments:

Figure l is a diagrammatic view with parts in section showing my improved circuit changing switch mechanism associated with a two push button contact combination switch for actuating an electro-magnet and an alarm device;

Figure 2 is an end view of the switch casing with parts in section;

Figure 3 is a plan view of Figure 2 with portions of the cover cut away for clearness of illustration;

Figure 4 is a sectional view taken substantially along the line -ll of Figure 3, and

Figure 5 is a diagrammatic view of the circuit changing switch mechanism associated with a single push button Contact combination switch.

Figure 6 is an enlarged sectional view of the push button switch mechanism.

Referring to the drawing, in which like numerals indicate like parts in thel several views,

7, 1936, Serial No. June 17,

(Cl. F75-375) I designates a casing which is shown as of elongated form but which obviously may be of any desired shape. The casing I0 is made of any suitable insulated material such as Bakelite, hard rubber or any other suitable composition, and preferably comprises a recessed section II and a removable top or closure I2 for permitting ready access to= the interior of the section I I. The inside of the section I I is formed with the upwardly extending spaced partitions I3 and I4 (Figure 4) which align with complementary formed partition members I and I6 extending downwardly from the inner wall of the cover I2. The free ends of the aligned partitions are spaced from each other to form a. series of longitudinally disposed openings I1 and I8. Each of the registering openings I1 and I8 constitutes a support for an electric conductive cylindrical member or rod I9 which is reciprocably mounted in the casing I0. Each of the rods I9 preferably comprises an. enlarged portion or sleeve arranged normally to register with an aligned opening 2| in the front face plate 22 (Figure 3) and a reduced portion or stem 23 which projects through the opening I8 and is connected to the wire 24 which extends through the opening 25 in the rear face of the casing so as to be electrically connected to any suitable operable member. A coil spring 26 encircles the stem 23 and is confined between the annular ange or shoulder 2l on the sleeve 20 and the partitions I4 and I 6 so as normally to urge each rod I9 to assume the position as shown 1n Figure 3 so that the outer ends of the movable contacts align with adjacent sockets 2|. A fixed contact or conductive bar 28 preferably of U shape (Figure 2) has its parallel arms 29 extending substantially the length of the interior of the casing so as to straddle the reciprocating rods I9 in order that these arms may be engaged by the shoulders 2l. One side of the casing I9 may have a recess or groove 30 in the inner wall thereof for "receiving the connecting arm of the U-shaped contact 28 so as to maintain the same in a fixed position within the casing I0. The arms 29, it will be observed, are arranged to be engaged by opposite portions of each of the shoulders 21 so that when these shoulders are urged into engagement with the fixed contacts by the springs 26, means are provided for insuring a positive and uniform Contact between these parts.

The arms 29 are connected by the terminal screw 3| to a wire 32 which in turn is connected to any suitable source of electrical energy such as a battery or the like which be described.

A removable contact key or plug 33 preferably has an enlarged head or shoulder 34 arranged to t into a complementary keyhole slot or socket 35 in the face plate 22 of the casing. The key contact 33 is electrically connected to any suitable operable member by the wire 36. The key 33 is detachably connected to the casing upon the insertion of the shoulder 34 into the socket 35 and the subsequent turning of the key so as to bring the shoulder 34 into engagement with the inner wall of the casing. Manifestly, the shape and size of the key 33 and ysocket 35 may be varied depending upon the shape of the casing IU and the form of the fixed and movable contacts I9 and 28, respectively.

Any number of reciprocating contacts I9 may be employed corresponding to the number of circuits with which the device is associated. It will be seen that normally when the key 33 is withdrawn from the casing III, the :spring -26 causes the axial movement of the reciprocating rod I9 to move the flange or collar 21 Iinto engagement with the arms of the fixed contact -28 to close a predetermined electrical circuit. Upon the selective insertion of the key 33 in anyone of the openings 2I (Figure 4), the outer end of the key abuts against the adjacent end of the movable contact I9 and forces the same inwardly against the tension of the spring 126 Ato disconnect the engagement of the collar 2'I with the fixed contact 28 and simultaneously establishes a separate circuit between 'the lcontact key 323 and the reciprocating or movable contact I9. Upon turning the key 33 either in a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction, the shoulders or lugs S are moved out of registration with the slots 35 and abut against the inner wall yof the face plate so as vto detachably secure the ikey to the casing. When it is desired 'to -break the circuit between the key 33 and the Amovable rod I9, it is merely necessary to withdraw the -key 33 from the casing. Upon the withdrawal Aof the key 33, the spring 26 causes the rod I9 "to be moved axially and thus brings the collar f2.1 into engagement with the Vxed contact 28 toreestablish the circuit which `had been previously disconnected by the insertion of the key within the casing.

It will be seen that by reason of the novel arrangement of parts a practical and y'foolproof switch mechanism is provided for normally closing a predetermined circuit and for automatically disconnecting this circuit and establishing another circuit upon the insertion of a contact member within the casing, the original circuit being immediately reestablished when the contact member is withdrawn. Thus, the dangerous and disastrous consequences which result from the failure to properly disconnect a circuit before connecting another circuitis avoided, since the mechanism insures the automatic disconnection of a predetermined circuit immediately upon the establishing of another circuit. Moreover, the spring 26 acts to urge the movable contacts outwardly and in the Vdirection of the sockets 2I in order to maintain the same normally in contact and in engagement with the xed Contact. This outward pressure serves a double purpose. When the key ycontact is inserted into the selected socket to disconnect the movable contact from the fixed contact, a slight pressure must be exerted against the norwill subsequently vmal position `of spring 26 `by the key contact,

then the key contact is slightly turned in either direction, and the pressure induced by spring 26 is transmitted to the outer end of the movable contact, which pressure is transmitted out Wardly to the key contact and holds transverse arms or lugs 34 securely tight against the inner wall of face plate 22, and prevents the accidental disconnection of the key contact from the selected movable contact.

The top or cover I2 is detachably secured to zthe casing by the screws 3'I to permit convenient -combination of various types of electrical devices, I have, for the `purpose of illustration, shown the same associated with a two button combination switch for selectively controlling the flow of current to means for actuating a door lock or to a signalling device for indicating that the switch mechanism is being tampered with such as disclosed in my aforesaid Patent No. 2,082,806.

The switch 38 `is preferably in the form of a casing panel 60 (Figure 6) and has mounted therein a transverse web 6I of insulated material to which may be threaded or otherwise connected a series of spaced fixed contacts 62 corresponding in -number to the `reciprocating contacts I9. A cover plate 63 closes the youter 'side of the casing and has a plurality of openings 64 which register with the 'adjacent fixed contacts -62 and slidably carry the push buttons or other suitable actuating means 65.

A metallic plate or'disc 66 secured to the underside of the cover v63 bya threaded bolt 6-1 and nut 68 and vmay be `spaced from the plate63 by an `insulating wash- -er 69. The plate y(i6 Vis formed with a series of spaced radially disposed flexible arms 'I0 corresponding in number to the fixed contacts 62.

The arms 'I0 Aare interposed between adjacent y contacts A62 and push buttons 65. The plate 6E through its -arms I0 constitute a movable contact common to the fixed contacts 62 for the purpose vof establishing predetermined -circuits with the adjacent xed contacts. The plate 66 is preferably formed of flat flexible Ametal so that when eachof the arms 'I0 vis displaced by a push button 65, it will bebrought in Yengagement with its adjacent xed vcontact V62,

and will upon the release -of the push button be returned to its normal horizontal position so as not to be detrimentally affected, by constant usage. The arms I are normally spaced Airom'the fixed contacts 62 while thebolt 6'I serves as means for establishing an electrical .connection between the movable contact 66 and an operable member in a manner as will be subsequently described.

lthe vtwo :button combinationswitch `the'means I and 'I have been selected to be the contacts necessary to be actuated in order to cause the operation of the electro-magnetic means 39, which controls the movement of the wedge member 39 associated with the lock or bolt 4U, and that the remaining buttons 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 8 are arranged to control the electrical connection to the alarm 4I. In such an event, each of the Wires 24 leading from the reciprocating or movable contacts I9 is connected separately to one of the fixed contacts 52 of the double switch 38, and the fixed contact 28 is connected by the wire 32 to the positive side of the battery 42.

The plug or key contact 33 which is inserted through the opening 2l of the casing I0 in the circuit of the reciprocating contacts I9 connected to the xed contact 62 associated with the pushbutton I, establishes a connection between operable member 39 and the said fixed contact through the wires 24 and 36, while the plug contact 33 inserted in the circuit of the other reciprocating contact I9 connected with the fixed contact 62 associated with the push-button 'I, is connected by its wires 24, 38 and 43, battery 44 and wire 45 with the other side of the operable member 39. Consequently, when the push-button contacts I and 'I are simultaneousls7 displaced to bring the arms 'I3 of the movable contact 66 into engagement with their adjacent xed contacts 62, there is established an energizing circuit between the operable member 38 and its source of energy. A switch or relay 46 may be interposed in the circuit for controllingl the same at a remote point. The remaining iixed contacts associated with the push buttons 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 8 are connected on one side through the reciprocating contacts I9, fixed contact 28 and wire 32 with the battery 42, which in turn is connected by the wire II to one side of the magnet 49, while the movable contact 63 is connected through the bolt 61 and the wire 48 with the other side of the magnet 49. Thus, it will be seen that if anyone of the push buttons 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 3 is displaced, it will immediately close a circuit to the magnet 49 which in turn will actuate the relay 5I) to move the same into engagement with the contacts 50 and 5 I, thus energizing the alarm 4I to notify the proper authorities that the switch is being tarnpered with.

It will be seen that when my circuit changing switch is associated with a combination switch such as 38 for selectively controlling the supply of current to two or more operable members such as the magnet 39 and the alarm 4l, that the two selected contacts establish a circuit with one of the operable members such as 39 while the remaining contacts are in circuit with the other operable members. Further, the combinations may be easily changed by pulling out the plugs 33 from the sockets I and 1 and reinserting them in other selected sockets. Manifestly, the number of contacts employed may be varied depending upon the purpose for which the circuit changing switch is to be used. The switch structure shown in Figure 6 is substantially similar to the yswitch mechanism embodied in my copending application Serial No. 68,124, filed March 10, 1936.

The circuit changing switch is equally adapted for use with a single button combination or a dual control combination. As shown in Figure 5, a single push button switch combination is disclosed for effecting the selective control rof the operable members. Assuming that the push button I and its associated fixed contact 62 have been selected to control the actuation of the lock or bolt 40, the plug 33 connected to the magnet 39 through wire 36 is inserted within the opening 2l with which aligns the reciprocating member I9 connected to the fixed contact 62 associated with the push button I, while the other reciproeating contacts I9 will be maintained by their spring 26 in engagement with the stationary contact 28 as the wire 36 associated with the push button 'I (Figure l) connected to the battery 44 is now dispensed with, the said battery 44 is now connected to bolt 6l by line 48 in order to establish a circuit connection through the plug contact 33 connected to the individual xed contact associated with button I, through the positive side of battery 44, line 45 to magnet 33, then through line 36 and bolt 61 to the movable contact 66, (Figure 6) when the arm of the movable contact G6 is moved in engagement with the fixed contact associated with button I, then to plug contact 33 thro-ugh line 24 and to the negative side of battery 44 through line 43. The remaining contacts 2 to 8 inclusive are connected to the alarm 4I in substantially the same manner as shown in Figure 1. Thus, the removable contact 33 connected to magnet 39 may selectively engage any one of the reciprocating' contacts i9 to move the same out of engagement with the stationary contact 28 so that upon the actuation of the push button associated with the individual fixed contact 62 connected to the reciprocating contact engaged by the plugcontact, it will establish a circuit connection between the arm of the movable Contact 66 and the said fixed contact and close the circuit to effect the actuation of the operable member 39.

The lock 40 and the alarm 4I constitute sepa,- rate operable members which may be selectively connected to the movable contacts as desired. The alarm 4I is normally connected to the movable contacts I9 through the fixed contact 29 and the wire 32 while a lock 49 is selectively connected to the same movable contacts through either the key contacts 33 as shown in Figure l or the single key contact shown in Figure 5. Heretofore, the key or plug contacts have been arranged .to operate or energize operable members immediately upon the closing of the key circuit. It is signiiicant to note that in the present invention the operable members are not energized by the selective connection of the key contacts with the movable contacts but are only rendered operative by the closing of the proper circuit through the switch 38. The push button contacts l to 8, inclusive, of the switch 38, therefore constitute control members, each of which is permanently and individually connected to one of the movable contacts. I9 so as to selectively control the actuation of the operable members associated with the electrical system.

It will therefore be seen that when the circuitV changing switch mechanism is associated with an electrical combination switch, the selected combination for controlling the operable members may be readily changed by withdrawing the plug 33 from its socket 35 and inserting the same in any one of the other sockets so as to effect a change of the combination necessary to actuate the operable members 33 and 40 respectively.

Maniiestly, the circuit changing switch mechanism may be operatively associated with various types of electrical devices for closing a predetermined electrical circuit and automatically opening said circuit and establishing another circuit while disconnecting the previously connected circuit. The insulated casing Il! and its associated parts are very compact and may be vconveniently vpositioned at Aany desired point to .effectthe change ofthe circuits by the selective insertion of the plugs v33 into the sockets .35.

Itis to be understood that the forms of the invention shown and described are merely illustrative of preferred embodiments and that such changes may be made as fall within the purview of one skilled in the art without departingfrom the spirit of the invention and vthe 'scope of the ,appended claims.

I claim:-

1. In va system of the class described, the combination of a control switch having spaced fixed contacts, a contact having a plurality of movable contacts associated with the fixed contacts and normally spaced therefrom, means to bring the movable contacts in engagement with their associated iixed contacts, a source of electrical energy, an electrically operable member, means interconnecting the operable member to the movable contacts, a circuit Aclosing mechanism including reciprocating contacts, each of the reciprocating contacts being permanently connected to one of the fixed contacts, and detachable contact means connected to the source of energy and arranged `selectively to engage any one of the reciprocating contacts so that upon the actuation of the movable contact associated with the fixed contact connected to the reciprocating contact engaged by the detachable contact means, to establish a circuit connection between the movable contact and the detachable contact means to actuate the voperable member.

2. In a system of the class described, the combination of a control switchhaving spaced xed contacts, a contact having a Yplurality of movable contacts associated with the fixed contacts Aand normally spaced therefrom, means to bring the movable contacts in engagement with their associated xed contacts, a source of electrical energy, an electrically operable member, means interconnecting the operable member to the lsource ofenergyga circuit closing mechanism including reciprocating contacts, each of the reciprocating lcontacts being permanently connected `to one of the fixed contacts, detachable 'Contact means connected to the operable member and the source of energy, said detachable means arranged selectively to engage any one of the reciprocating contacts so that upon the lselec-- .to the second source of energy so that upon the actuation of any of the movable contacts associated with the xedcontacts not connected with the reciprocating contacts engaged by the detachable contact means, to establish a circuit connection between the movable-contact andthe stationary contact to actuate the second operable member.

3. In a system of the class described, the combination of .a control switch 'having spaced fixed contacts, a contact having a ,plurality of movable contacts associated with Athe :fixed contacts ciprocating contacts being permanently connected to one of the xed contacts, a pair of detachable plug contacts, means connecting one of thesaid plug contacts to one side of the operable member, means .connecting the other plug contact to the source of energy, each of the plug acontacts `arranged selectively to engage any one of the reciprocating contacts rso that upon the :selective actuation of the movable contacts associated with :the fixed contacts connected to the `reciprocating contacts engaged by the two plug contacts, to establish a circuit connection between the said plug contacts to actuate the operable member.

4. In a -system ofthe class described, the combination of a Acontrol switch having spaced fixed contacts, a 'contact having a plurality of movla'ble contacts associated with the xed contacts and `normally spaced therefrom, means to bring the movable contacts in engagement with their Aassociated xed contacts, a source of electrical energy, an electrically operable member, means inter-connecting the operable member to the -source'of energy, a circuit closing mechanism including reciprocating contacts, each of the reciprocating contacts being permanently connected to one of the fixed contacts, a pair of detachable plug contacts, means connecting one of Ithe said 'plug Ycontacts to one `side of the oper- 'able member, 'means connecting the other plug Vcontact to the source of energy, each of the plug contacts arranged selectively to engage any one of the reciprocating contacts so that upon the selectiveactuation of the movable contacts associated with the fixed contacts connected to the `reciprocating contacts engaged by the two plug contacts, to l'establish a circuit connection between the said plug contacts to actuate the opera'ble member, a stationary contact, means for normally maintaining each of the reciprocating contacts yinengagement with the stationary contact, a second operable member, means connecting'the `second operable `member to the movable contacts, a second source of electrical energy, means connecting 'the stationary contact to the vSecond source of energy so that upon the actuation of any one ofthe movable contacts associated with vthe'fixed contacts `not connected with the :reciprocating contacts engaged by the two 'plug contacts, to establish a circuit connection between the movable contacts and the stationary contact'to actuate the second operable member.

5. In a system of the class described, the com- .binati'oniof a control switch having spaced fixed contacts, afcontact having a plurality of movable 'contacts associated with the fixed contacts and Vnormally spaced therefrom, means to bring the movable contacts 'in engagement with their associated 'fixedcontacts a source of electrical energy, an electrically `operable member, means interconnecting the operable member to one side of the source of energy, a circuit closing mechanism includingreciprocating contacts, each of the reciprocating contacts being permanently connected to one of the fixed contacts, a pair of detachable plug contacts, means'connecting one of said Iplug Vcontacts to one side of the operable member, means connecting the other plug cony tact to the source of energy, each of the plug contacts arranged selectively to engage any one of the reciprocating contacts so that upon the simultaneous actuation of the two push buttons associated with the Xed contacts connected to the reciprocating contacts engaged by the two plug contacts, to establish a circuit connection through the plug contacts and the movable contacts to effect the actuation ci the operable member.

6. In a system of the class described, the combination of a control switch including spaced xed contacts, a contact having movable contact arms registering with adjacent fixed contacts and normally spaced therefrom, means to bring the arms of the movable contact in engagement with their adjacent fixed contacts, a source of electrical energy, an operable member, means interconnecting the operable member to one side of the source of energy, a circuit closing mechanism including reciprocating contacts, each of the reciprocating contacts being permanently connected to one of the xed contacts, a stationary contact, means for normally maintaining each of the reciprocating contacts in engagement with the stationary contact, a second operable member, a second source of electrical energy, means connecting the second operable member to the movable contact, means connecting the stationary contact to the second source of energy, a pair of detachable plug contacts, one of the said plug Contacts being connected to the operable member and the other plug contact being connected to the source of energy, each of the plug contacts arranged selectively to engage any one of the reciprocating contacts so that upon the simultaneous actuation of the arms associated with the fixed contacts connected to the reciprocating contacts engaged by the two plug contacts, to establish a circuit connection through the plug contacts and the movable contact to effect the actuation of the operable member, the moving of any one of the other arms to engage its associated xed contact, acting to close the circuit between the stationary contact and the movable contact to effect the actuation of the second operable member.

7. In a system of the class described, the combination of a control switch having spaced xed contacts, a contact having a plurality of contact arms, each of said arms registering with adjacent xed contacts and normally spaced therefrom,

means associated with said arms for moving the same in engagement with their adjacent xed contacts, a source of electrical energy, an electrical operable member, means interconnecting the operable member to the source of energy, a circuit closing mechanism including reciprocating contacts, each of the reciprocating contacts being permanently connected to one oi the Xed contacts, and a detachable plug contact connected to the operable member and arranged selectively to engage any one of the reciprocating contacts so that upon the actuation of the arm of the contact associated with a fixed contact con-- nected to the reciprocating contact engaged by the plug contact, to establish a circuit connection between the arm of the contact and the plug contact to actuate the operable member.

8, In a system of the class described, the combination of a control switch including spaced xed contacts, a contact having a plurality of contact arms, each of said arms registering with` adjacent xed contactsV and normally spaced therefrom, means to bring the arms of the contact in engagement with their adjacent fixed contacts, a source of electrical energy, an operable member, means interconnecting the operable member to a source of energy, a circuit closing mechanism including reciprocating contacts, each of the reciprocating contacts. being permanently connected to one of the fixed contacts, a stationary contact, means for normally maintaining each of the reciprocating contacts in engagement with the stationary contact, a second source of electrical energy, a second operable member, means connecting the second operable member to the contact, means connecting the stationary contact to the second source of energy, a detachable plug contact connected to the first operable member and arranged selectively to engage any one of the reciprocating contacts so that upon actuation of the contact arm associated with the fixed contact connected to the reciprocating contact engaged by the plug contact, to establish a circuit connection between the contact arm and the plug contact to effect the actuation of the operable member, the actuation of any one of the other Contact arms being operable to close the circuit between the stationary contact and the movable contact to effect the actuation of the second operable member.

EDMOND MICHEL. 

